Best practice statements (BPS) were launched in Scotland in 2002 to encourage consistent evidence-based practice (EBP) by guiding practitioners in specific areas of care. This concurrent paper would outline BPS development and results of an evaluation to measure the impact of these statements on Scottish clinical practice.
The first BPS in Scotland focused on continence, pressure ulcer prevention, home oxygen and nutrition. A national evaluation was undertaken in 2003 to assess awareness and use of the BPS as well as their benefits to practitioners and patients. A postal survey (n=1,278) of clinical practitioners, nurse managers and practice
development nurses generated a 42 per cent return rate (n=S39). Fifteen semi-structured interviews were also undertaken of nurses involved in BPS development. Only 17 per cent of clinical respondents were aware of the BPS prior to the postal survey. BPS awareness was highest in nurse managers and practice development
nurses who, generally, did not use these statements clinically. The best known and most frequently used BPS were for continence, pressure ulcer prevention and nutrition in the frail elderly. Respondents were extremely positive towards the BPS believing they benefited patients, e.g. through quality improvement, and
practitioners through increased accountability and facilitation of care delivery.
Although a national initiative, results indicated difficulties in disseminating information to clinical staff, especially those in junior positions. Initiatives to support BPS use worked best as part of an integrated approach that embedded the BPS into the local organisational culture and enabled practice to be measured against the statements. This study suggests the BPS could become a
useful tool in promoting EBP in nursing. Results provide initial evidence of the BPS improving the process of patient care and benefiting practitioners. Further research is required to fully determine BPS impact on clinical outcome.